In 2004 eight Whitechapel change ringing bells were installed in Breslin Tower. The bells are a gift from the Wright family. The prelude to the gift was a dinner conversation in 2002 at Fulford Hall that had little focus on the topic of acquiring a ring of eight change ringing bells. At the dinner with Vice Chancellor Cunningham was Donna Wright and the Registrar of the university, Paul Engsburg. He had been consulting at the University of Durham in England a few years before..While there, he learned to ring. That experience developed in him an intense interest in acquiring a ring of eight change ringing bells for Sewanee. The conversation at dinner unexpectedly turned to his interest. The Wrights offered to provide the funds for the bells. The wheels of acquisition were set in motion.
Breslin tower, constructed in 1886, required extensive renovation in order to house the ring of eight bells. The ancient and renowned foundry of Whitechapel in London was commissioned to cast the bells and install them. The bells were cast on July 4, 2003. The installation was completed in 2004. Community members and students were recruited to ring the bells and by the fall of 2004 the Bentley Bells rang out across campus.
The bells ring every Sunday morning to call the faithful to worship in All Saints’ Chapel. They also ring for major events at the college and sometimes just for fun.
The ringing band is composed of students and community members. The band meets twice a week. Learning to ring takes some effort. It is a skill not easily acquired. Ringing the changes requires physical effort and mental concentration. Complementing these essentials is the camaraderie of the band. The ringing band is a joyous community that is always struggling to improve and learn new methods.
Currently, students can learn to ring by signing up for a ringing class through the Physical Education department. The ringing class fulfills their PE requirement. It is a challenging experience accompanied by membership in a joyful community.
